After two foreign advisers were slain in Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs, Western countries have either temporarily withdrawn their civilian personnel from Kabul or have instructed them to avoid attending their jobs in Afghan ministries and other government organizations. Incidents, where an Afghan soldier has opened fire and has killed or injured his foreign counterparts or mentors, have occurred for numerous times inside military bases.

Such incidents have remained a matter of great concern for NATO as dozens of foreigners have been killed. Although the US authorities do not deem the incidents as a systematic move by insurgents, Taliban claim to have infiltrated into Afghan Army and Police ranks.

However, this is perhaps the first time that such an awful incident takes place within a key government ministry like that of Interior Affairs and takes lives of foreign civilian advisers. The ice has been broken and the trend will definitely continue and the US and its allies should be ready for more attacks. There are snacks in the glass.

On Sunday, February 26, foreign advisers remained absent from their offices located in almost all ministries of Afghan government. The Afghan Office of Administrative Affairs has called upon them to resume their jobs as soon as possible. According to the Office, absence of foreign advisers would pass a negative message to the public and their presence is a core need for Afghanistan. The call comes at times when foreign advisers have been instructed to limit their travels and remain confined to where they are accommodated.

According to estimates, there are about 500 foreign advisers employed in different Afghan ministries and other government organizations who play important roles in boosting organizational capacities and introducing modern systems in government.

It is now a necessity for Afghan government and its western backers to take necessary measures to ensure security of foreign advisers as incidents such as that occurred in Ministry of Interior Affairs would affect and influence their morale and professional efficiency. The trend is dangers. It needs to be countered and discouraged. The enemies should not be allowed to use the emotions and beliefs of Afghans in their benefit.